Are You Referral Ready?

More so than sheer size, diversity expands the effectiveness of any network. By focusing on this one aspect, your network serves as a bridge to other networks and allows you access to a wider variety of contacts.

Networks tend to form in clusters of people with similar interests, backgrounds, education levels, and economic status. Without consciously adding an element of diversity, your network will only open so many doors no matter how many people are included.

Accelerate the next time you meet someone in a different age group, race, or religion. Embrace a different musical taste, culture, or hobby. Celebrate your differences and challenge yourself to reach out, learn about, and help that person.

Whereas any network can help you open doors, a diverse network comes with more keys. Since there are only so many doors you can walk through anyway, diversity unlocks new possibilities and makes networking a richer and more rewarding experience.